E/CN.4/1992/52 page 164 129. In its reply, the Government of Bahrain indicated that the principle of reciprocity between States should be taken into consideration and respected in some fields. However, it does not believe that this applies to matters relating to human rights, such as freedom of religious observance. The Government of the United States of America indicated in its answer that its laws afforded equal protection to all believers and non-believers, including those who are not United States nationals, without regard to the principle of reciprocity. The Government of Switzerland stated that it does not apply the principle of reciprocity, "despite the fact that some foreign countries, on their own territory, recognize that foreigners of a different religion are free to practise their religion only in their home and in the limited setting of the family". 130. Some States limit the practice of religion by foreigners to observance of the country's laws. In its reply to the questionnaire, China indicated that "the Chinese Government respects the religious belief of foreign nationals in China and provides convenience for their normal religious activities. At the same time they are required to abide by Chinese laws and to respect the sovereign rights of the Chinese churches." The reply of the Government of Uruguay indicated that foreigners are "under a legal obligation not to form illegal assocations and to ensure that practice of their religion does not in itself entail acts contrary to the law and to public morals". The Government of Yugoslavia indicated that the only restriction was the requirement of prior notification to the local internal affairs authorities by foreign priests who wished to perform religious services in the country. The Government of Mexico stated that "anyone who is a minister of religion ... must be Mexican by birth". In its answer, the Government of Greece indicated that "the rules of international law and of the relevant international conventions are applicable to aliens under the condition of reciprocity". 131. From the experience gained over the years in the exercise of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur has observed that most countries do not apply the principle of reciprocity concerning the practice of religion by foreigners. Nevertheless, a certain number of countries which expect their citizens to enjoy the freedom of religion enshrined in the laws of countries in which they may temporarily reside do not permit the exercise of the same or similar freedoms on their own soil. For example, although half a million Christian immigrant workers reportedly reside in Saudi Arabia, the construction of Christian churches or chapels is prohibited and these persons are only allowed to practise their religion in their own homes. (e) Conscientious objection to compulsory military service 132. The countries which responded to the questionnaire may be broadly divided into those countries, predominantly Western European, which admit conscientious objection and those which do not; a number of countries have no military service at all and thus do not have any laws regarding conscientious objection. Several countries have indicated that no cases of conscientious objection have been registered so far. 133. In the countries where conscientious objection to compulsory military service is allowed, armed service in the forces may be replaced by alternative military service in non-combat units or civilian service of benefit to the